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McAllen ISD to pilot Advanced Scholars Academy for rising fourth and fifth graders
Summary
The district will open an Advanced Scholars Academy for rising 4th–5th graders in 2026–27 at Wilson, offering an interdisciplinary, problem‑based curriculum and optional parent interviews; applications are open through May 15 via SchoolMint and no single test will bar admission.
McAllen ISD trustees heard details of a new Advanced Scholars Academy the district plans to offer beginning in the 2026–27 school year.
"This is going to be offering a more unique approach to teaching and learning," Associate Superintendent Janette Nino said, describing a program intended to give rising fourth and fifth graders advanced, interdisciplinary experiences in math, language arts, science and fine arts. The program will emphasize problem‑based learning, leadership development, partnerships (including an ASL component) and opportunities such as a student space flight experiment in fifth grade.
Nino said the academy will function as the students’ everyday school—students would leave their home campus to attend Wilson as their full‑time placement—and that families will apply through May 15 on SchoolMint. There will not be a formal single test requirement for entry; administrators will consider existing math and RLA meets/masters indicators and use interviews to select candidates.
Trustees asked about staffing, training and comparisons with IB or GT programs; Nino said teachers selected for the academy will receive specific training and curriculum writing teams (many of them district teachers) will prepare program materials. The district expects to start with two fourth‑grade and two fifth‑grade classrooms but said it could expand with demand.
The presentation was informational; no action was required. Administration said additional updates will be provided as planning continues and that the district will accept applications through May 15.
